At the Tarrant County courthouse steps on Saturday, Crystal Mason found a groundswell of support from dozens of community leaders and members who rallied behind her cause.
Expressing gratitude to the assembled crowd, Mason stood in defiance against efforts to convict her of voter fraud. The charge stemmed from an incident in 2018 when she cast a provisional ballot while on probation for a felony conviction. Mason and her legal team assert she was unaware of her ineligibility.
The gathering voiced frustration at the ongoing legal battle, decrying the expenditure of taxpayer funds. Angela Rainey of the League of Women Voters labeled the situation “ridiculous” and questioned the necessity of continued legal proceedings.
While a Texas appeals court recently overturned Mason’s original conviction, citing insufficient evidence to prove her knowledge of ineligibility, Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells has called for a reversal of that decision, alleging procedural errors in the review process.
Sorrells emphasized his commitment to upholding the law and prosecuting illegal voting during a session at the county commissioner’s court, asserting vigilance over potential voter misconduct.
However, attendees at Saturday’s rally viewed Sorrells’ actions as politically driven, aimed at voter suppression rather than addressing Mason’s individual case. Deborah Peoples, speaking at the rally, questioned the prosecution’s motives, emphasizing Mason’s efforts to fulfill her civic duties as an American citizen.
The event served as a platform for organizers to register new voters and inspire civic engagement, urging all attendees to exercise their right to vote and have their voices heard.
